Fijian talent secures opening spot for SIX60

Fijian band The LeftOvas won a spot to open for Kiwi band SIX60 after taking out the Moana Music Open Mic Competition.

The competition received 95 entries, with 12 acts shortlisted to perform live at the event.

"We were just happy to be given a stage to perform on,” says Teki Koroituicakau, guitarist and vocalist for the R&B band.

“It was such a good crowd, an amazing atmosphere - we are just so grateful.”

The first-of-its-kind live music event showcased fresh talent as part of Moana Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand’s ocean festival.

Delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of Auckland Council, the event aimed to showcase musical talent against Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour backdrop.

It featured 12 musical acts - from solo artists to bands - performing R&B, pop, jazz, alt-country, and acoustic sets on the waterfront stage at Te Wāhi, Hobson Wharf in Auckland.

Drawing on their Fijian roots, the five-piece band closed the night with a unique rendition of Boyz II Men's “The Color of Love, " which got the crowd swaying.

The LeftOvas won $1000 and will open for SIX60 at the upcoming Moana Auckland headline show, part of the Grassroots City Edition Tour, at Base Spaces, Jellicoe Harbour, on 1 March.

Local Fijian band The Leftovas will be opening for SIX60 in March. Photo/Supplied

Head of Major Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Michelle Hooper says seeing the talent on show in Tāmaki Makaurau is incredibly exciting.

“It’s even more special to be doing so alongside the beautiful Waitematā, highlighting the vibrancy of our downtown waterfront.

“As part of Moana Auckland, Moana Music provides a fantastic platform for emerging musicians to be noticed and celebrated."

The first-of-its-kind live music event showcased fresh talent as part of Moana Auckland. Photo/Supplied

SIX60 bass player Chris Mac hosted the evening with his bandmates in the audience. This gave competitors a rare chance to perform in front of some of New Zealand’s top musicians.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited was approached for comment on the festival's funding. Per its policy, the organisation said it would provide the funding figure after the festival.

Photo / supplied

Upcoming Moana Auckland Events

-Moana Auckland Sustainability Expo | 22-23 February
-Z Manu World Champs | 15 February – 1 March
-SIX60 at Base Spaces, Jellicoe Harbour | 1 March
-PIC Harbour Classic | 28 February – 1 March
-Moana Auckland Long Lunch | 6 March
-Auckland Boat Show | 6-9 March

Visit aucklandnz.com/moana for more information.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.